Worcester peace circle formed to talk about Trayvon Martin case

WORCESTER — About 50 area residents gathered at the Peace Park on Pleasant Street Sunday night to react peacefully to the verdict in the George Zimmerman case.

Mr. Zimmerman, who was charged in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in Florida, was found not guilty late Saturday. Peace circles were held in cities across the country to mark the event.

Those who attended the peace circle said they hope that the number of attendees won't dwindle when the shock wears off. They want to become more involved in their community and work to combat racism.

A 14-year-old boy who lives near the park said he would like workshops tailored to the city's young people organized. Nori Needle said he wants his peers to learn what to do if they feel they are being racially profiled. He doesn't want to have to rely on adults but rather wants to help youths learn ways to handle such situations on their own.

He also wants to change the attitude of young people whose language could be construed as racist.

"I have friends that say the N word and they're white," he said, adding that when he asks them to stop, they tell him there aren't any black people nearby so no one will be offended.

Cedric Arno spoke and said people need to get involved locally. He urged young people to get involved and pointed out that there are younger candidates running for office in Worcester.

While some were disappointed that Mr. Zimmerman was not found guilty, others, including Robert Jones of Westboro, said there is a difference between the law and justice.

"Law and justice are not the same," he said, adding that while the jury probably followed the letter of the law, the verdict did not bring the justice some people sought.

"We have the best system that's out there," he said. "But it can get better."

Mr. Jones, associate director of the Multicultural Peer Education Program at the College of the Holy Cross, said the organizers of the peace circle have attended a training on undoing racism and thought the opportunity for people to "say your piece in a peaceful way."

A second event organized by a different group will be held Monday night, with participants planning to don hoodies and meet at Chandler Street and Park Avenue at 9:45 p.m. The group will walk to the 7-Eleven store at May Street and Park Avenue to buy Skittles candy, which Mr. Martin did shortly before his death. The group will hold signs on Park Avenue until 11 p.m.

Contact Kim Ring at kring@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @kimmring

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